Could Nene Go To The Heat When The Lockout Ends?

No knows if there is going to be an end to the NBA lockout. It seems as if no one really cares if it does end. Everyday there are players jumping ship to some random foreign league so they can keep their skills sharp or keep the money rolling in.

The lockout still hasn't put an end to rumors or speculation regarding trades and free agency. News out of Miami is that the Heat could pursue Denver Nuggets  free agent big man Nene.

Many call this possibility a longshot. Maybe not. Nene says that he wants to win a title. Miami is loaded for a title run. He also says it's not about the money. Now usually when someone says that, it's about the money when it comes time to sign a contract. Nene says that's not the case.

Nene told The Denver Post: “If people think it’s about money, they’re wrong. I’ve saved my money. I could retire today.”

There would be a $6 million dollar mid-level exception available and Nene would be leaving plenty of money on the table.


If Nene did sign with Miami, that could be the move to put Miami over the top. Nene could start at center, Chris Bosh permanently at the 4 spot and Udonis Haslem coming off the bench to strengthen that area. This could possibly make Heat haters' head's explode.

Cassel Could Miss The Opener With A Rib Injury

This is why you keep your starters in for the bare minimum in the final exhibition game. The Kansas City Chiefs had to place starting tight end Tony Moeaki on injured reserve with a knee injury. Now there is news that starting quarterback Matt Cassel could miss the opener against the Buffalo Bills with a rib injury he s suffered against Green Bay in the final preseason game.

Cassel was sacked by 340 pound nose tackle Howard Green and the team initially said he just had the wind knocked out of him.

Cassel confirmed this afterwards when he said “I just got the wind knocked out of me,’’ he said. “We were just being cautious.’’



Head coach Todd Haley added “Unfortuntately, he got dinged up a little bit. I’m not overly concerned.’’

A report by the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher said a source close to the situation said they overheard coach Todd Haley tell backup Tyler Palko “You’d better be ready to play Sunday’’ after the game.

If Cassel misses the opener, the Chiefs could be in a bit of trouble. The offense seemed to struggle in the preseason, but you can't put too much stock into that. Haley just better hope that the injury isn't that serious.

I bet that Cassel plays on Sunday, but expect a heavy dose of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles. I also bet Haley will hold out the starters in next year's preseason finale.

Just remember that Drago vs. Creed was also an exhibition.